Texans across the state were holding their breath on Thursday, March 5, as the Texas Two Step jackpot soared to a staggering $2.4 million—the largest prize offered by the game in two decades. For many, the prospect of winning such a windfall was enough to put a noticeable spring in their step, and the excitement was palpable from Austin to Houston and beyond.
According to the Texas Lottery Commission, this jackpot was the biggest since 2006, making the March 5 drawing a historic occasion for the state’s avid lottery players. The Texas Two Step, which launched in 2001, has long been a favorite for those chasing big dreams on a modest budget. But this week’s prize was something special. If a player managed to match all four numbers plus the Bonus Ball, they would claim the second largest jackpot in the game's history—a milestone not seen since a $2.9 million win shared by three lucky individuals back in April 2006.
The anticipation had been building for weeks. The current jackpot run began on February 2, 2026, starting at an estimated $200,000. Since then, drawing after drawing passed with no one able to match the elusive combination of four white ball numbers (ranging from 1 to 35) and the single red Bonus Ball (also 1 to 35). As each drawing came and went, the top prize continued to grow, capturing the imaginations of hopeful Texans with each passing week. By the time the tenth drawing in this streak rolled around—March 5—the jackpot had ballooned to $2.4 million, a sum not seen for twenty years.
“With the jackpot approaching an all-time high and tickets costing just $1 per Play, tonight’s Texas Two Step drawing is looking like an attractive prospect for our players,” said Courtney Arbour, executive director of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which oversees the Texas Lottery. She added, “We remind everyone who participates to play responsibly.”
The Texas Two Step’s appeal lies not only in its relatively low ticket price but also in its reputation for producing more jackpot winners than any other game in the state. In 2025 alone, there were 38 jackpot winners from 29 separate wins, with nine of those jackpots being shared among multiple ticket holders. Of those winners, four either won or shared jackpots of $1.075 million or more, underscoring the game’s potential to change lives in an instant.
For those unfamiliar with the format, Texas Two Step is a straightforward draw game. Players select four white ball numbers and one red Bonus Ball number, all from a pool of 1 to 35. If their numbers match the ones drawn, they win the jackpot. The odds of clinching the top prize? One in 32.4—a long shot, to be sure, but not as astronomical as some other lottery games.
Drawings are held twice weekly, on Mondays and Thursdays at 10:12 p.m. Central Time. To participate, hopefuls must purchase their tickets by 10:02 p.m. on the night of the drawing. And there’s a bonus for the retailers, too: any store that sells a jackpot-winning ticket is eligible for a $5,000 bonus through the Texas Lottery’s Retailer Bonus Program. It’s a small but meaningful way to reward the local businesses that keep the state’s lottery dreams alive.
Of course, Texas Two Step isn’t the only game in town. On March 5, the Texas Lottery also offered results for Pick 3, Pick 4, All or Nothing, and Cash Five games. The Pick 3 morning numbers were 9-9-4 with a Fireball of 3, while the Pick 4 morning numbers came up as 3-8-1-2 with a Fireball of 2. For those who tried their luck with All or Nothing, the morning draw featured the numbers 01-04-06-08-09-11-14-15-20-22-23-24, and Cash Five delivered 10-29-30-32-35. But it was the Texas Two Step that stole the spotlight, with the winning numbers for the night being 02-03-19-29 and Bonus Ball 09.
For many, the memories of past big wins are still fresh. The largest jackpot in Texas Two Step history—a $2.9 million prize—was split among three winners on April 27, 2006. Two of the winning tickets were sold in Longview, and the third was purchased in San Antonio, proving that Lady Luck can smile anywhere. More recently, in October 2023, the jackpot reached $2.25 million, with winners from Garland and Houston sharing the fortune. These stories serve as reminders that while the odds are steep, real people do win, and sometimes in dramatic, life-changing fashion.
“Tonight’s Texas Two Step drawing is looking like an attractive prospect for our players,” Arbour emphasized, echoing the sense of anticipation that swept across the state. And it’s no wonder—after all, who wouldn’t dream of a sudden windfall that could pay off debts, fund college educations, or make long-held wishes a reality?
The Texas Two Step’s structure is designed to keep the excitement alive. Each jackpot starts at $200,000 and rolls over, growing larger with every draw that passes without a winner. This not only fuels the dreams of regular players but also entices newcomers to take a chance when the prize reaches eye-popping levels. The game’s relatively favorable odds (compared to national lotteries like Powerball or Mega Millions) and its twice-weekly schedule ensure there’s always a new opportunity just around the corner.
But with every big jackpot comes a reminder: play responsibly. The Texas Lottery Commission and the Department of Licensing and Regulation have both emphasized the importance of moderation. Gambling can be thrilling, but it’s essential to treat it as entertainment—not as a financial strategy. For every winner, there are many more who walk away empty-handed, and the odds, while better than some, are still long.
As the dust settles after the March 5 drawing, Texans are left to wonder: Did someone finally crack the code and claim the $2.4 million prize, or will the jackpot continue to climb, inching ever closer to the all-time record? For now, the Texas Two Step remains a source of hope, excitement, and the occasional heart-pounding moment. Whether you play every week or just buy a ticket when the jackpot gets big, one thing is certain—the dream of a life-changing win is alive and well in the Lone Star State.
With another record-breaking jackpot in the books, all eyes are on the next draw, and the question on everyone’s mind is simple: who will be the next Texan to step into the winner’s circle?